Where Does Security Stand On Mobile Cloud Computing?

Where Does Security Stand On Mobile Cloud Computing?

Arguably, security is still one most significant concerns of Cloud customers. As more and more businesses continue to transition their mainstream Cloud-based I.T operations on Mobile-ready applications, it has opened the lid for security vulnerabilities in organizations.

Although, the adoption of Cloud and Mobile computing is getting bigger, with the majority of organizations and enterprises adopting this trend, it is, still, of immense importance for the general public to understand the consequences of any cyber-attack, as well as plan ahead to out-maneuver any such incidents.

The Verdict

Although, organizations seem to be quite concerned about the impeding security threats in the background of Mobile Cloud Computing, they fear such incidents may incur via non-sanctioned Mobile apps used by the I.T departments at organizations. But there are other factors besides the role that I.T can play here. Reckless actions by employees, as well as involuntary decisions by a Cloud Service Provider, can also damage an organization’s reputation, in spite of the many security control points in place. The Cloud and the Mobile can seriously affect organizations if not played on with caution.

In the U.K alone, financial losses from cyber -attacks has been estimated to be £27bn a year. With such high figures, corporate brands, business leaders, and entrepreneurs need to address this issue with extreme urgency, and put measures in place in order to be able to respond quickly and swiftly.

While facts draw a scarier picture of Mobile Cloud Computing environment, there have been many happily-ever-afters. By nature, the Cloud is no Oliver Twist. It is easier to adopt the Cloud, and with Mobile First strategies making successful rounds, the two had to offer something beyond independent solutions. The consonant relationship between the Cloud and the Mobile is an ode to that idea. However, the ease that Mobile adoption of Cloud offers to organizations, makes it one appealing prospect for them. Various organizations are now planning to move up their usage of Mobile-ready Cloud applications. Still, seventy percent of such businesses admit that they use applications that are sanctioned by their own I.T departments. This was found out via a survey of two hundred I.T business professionals on the adoption and relying security issues of Mobile-ready Cloud applications, and was conducted by OneLogic and FlyingPenguin.

The Present Era

We are all indulged in Cloud Computing today in one way or other, without even realizing it. For emails, messaging, online gaming and social networking and even for online tax forms, transactions, credit card payments and what not, this all has been a revolution that now has made “Mobility” a synonym with “Cloud”. However, this is only just beginning.

It is also known that usage of Cloud applications is carried out from nearly 80 percent of the smart phones, 71 percent of tablets and again 80 percent through non-organizational computers. Apart from hacks, data interceptions, it is high time for such masses to cite concerns regarding identity theft, governance or complexity.

Various companies do admit that their employees share credentials with co-workers for various Cloud ready apps through smart phones, and they experience employees being able to log in even after leaving the premises.

We know that the future is going to be held by virtual reins, all accessible through smart handheld devices. It is essential for organizations to inhibit the usage of unsanctioned apps and restrict the sharing of valuable credentials via Smartphones quickly.

It is no secret that organizations need to improve the security for their Cloud apps -not to mention, eliminating the usage of Cloud apps without their consent- and find solutions that are flexible and allow the on-premise addition of more Cloud apps.

The Solution

With constantly emerging new security threats, certain companies have also evolved their methodology in dealing with these risks. Now it is all about “digital hygiene” and according to research most of the companies are now employing a full time security teams. In the past, only 43% of businesses had adequate security measures. However, now more companies are heading to re-examine Cloud security in a more systematic way. However, many organizations still implement such security policies after an incident or because of a new regulation.

These days, many smart organizations are pursuing a rather three-dimensional approach in securing their Cloud architecture from breaches. Previously, businesses felt that only installing technical devices would suffice their security needs but they ended up being by passed all at once. However, now the key to security is diversified by 25% being the technical aspects, 50% being the internal organizational aspects and the rest being regulatory and legal. Here, utilization of various VPN services may also shine in securing your Cloud architectures when it is accessed via Mobiles, tablets etc. The high level encryptions that VPN provides are ideal to safeguard data transition via Mobile phones. This 3d security protocol is what businesses need to rely on.

Afterwards, businesses also need to encourage training sessions for their employees to make them aware of underlying security threats and vulnerabilities. Organizations also need to manufacture stern I.T security rules, where they would be able to set parameters that could not be bypassed by human resource. Security management here, also need to be in complete coordination with their general management, and they must also remember to consistently update their existing security procedures.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Mobile Cloud computing is not without any risks. However, with scrutiny and effort taken by the companies involved in this profitable prospect, these risks are addressable and manageable. Once such issues are solved, and companies empower themselves with the three legged security methodology, there I.T processes are sure to go smooth, in so doing, providing numerous benefits to the company.

By Pere Hospital:

Pere Hospital (CISSP & OSCP) is the CTO and co-founder of Cloudways Ltd. He has over two decades of experience in IT Security, Risk Analysis and Virtualization Technologies. You can follow Pere on Twitter at @phospital, or learn more about Cloudways at www.Cloudways.com

Established in 2009, CloudTweaks.com is recognized as one of the leading authorities in cloud computing information. Most of the excellent CloudTweaks articles are provided by our own paid writers, with a small percentage provided by guest authors from around the globe, including CEOs, CIOs, Technology bloggers and Cloud enthusiasts. Our goal is to continue to build a growing community offering the best in-depth articles, interviews, event listings, whitepapers, infographics and much more...

One Response to Where Does Security Stand On Mobile Cloud Computing?

Cloud Infographic: Disaster Recovery Business downtime can be detrimental without a proper disaster recovery plan in place. Only 6% of businesses that experience downtime without a plan will survive long term. Less than half of all businesses that experience a disaster are likely to reopen their doors. There are many causes of data loss and…

Many people have heard of cloud computing. There is however a tremendous number of people who still cannot differentiate between Public, Private & Hybrid cloud offerings. Here is an excellent infographic provided by the group at iWeb which goes into greater detail on this subject. Infographic source: iWeb About Latest Posts Follow Us!CloudTweaksEstablished in 2009,…

Cloud Infographic – Cloud Fast Facts It’s no secret that Cloud Computing is more than just a buzz term as that ship has sailed off a long time ago. More and more companies are adopting the uses and benefits of cloud computing while aggressively factoring cloud services spending into their budget. Included is an excellent…

The Power Of Cloud Disaster Recovery Preventing a Cloud Disaster is one thing. Recovering from a disaster is a whole other area of concern. Today’s infographic provided by CloudVelox outlines some best practices and safeguards in order to help your business make more informed decisions. About Latest Posts Follow Us!CloudTweaksEstablished in 2009, CloudTweaks.com is recognized…

The Business Benefits of Cloud CRM From software deployment, to mobility, to wearable technology, cloud computing has transformed seemingly every aspect of modern business. Research indicates cloud applications and platforms will be at the forefront of IT spending by 2016, with half of all enterprises implementing cloud solutions by 2017. One of the quickest markets…

CONNECT TO THE CLOUD

NAME *

EMAIL *

YOUR MESSAGE

SELECT OPTIONS

Yes, include me in your mailing listWe are interested in receiving sponsorship info

Cloud Logo Sponsors

Contributor Spotlight

Established in 2009, CloudTweaks is recognized as one of the leading influencers in cloud computing, big data and internet of things (IoT) information. Our goal is to continue to build our growing information portal, by providing the best in-depth articles, interviews, event listings, whitepapers, infographics and much more.